Holiday light displays across the state

From a parade of shining boats to a giant glowing pickle

North Carolina is aglow with unique and festive lighting displays over the holidays. Here is a small sampling of events (many of which are free), grouped by general region. "Mountains" indicates places west of I-77; "Piedmont" is east of I-77 and west of I-95; and "Coast" is east of 1-95.) For more events: www.VisitNC.com

MOUNTAINS

Hometown Holidays, Forest City

Nov. 24–Dec. 19

Starting with the tree lighting, this sparkling downtown tradition features more than 500,000 lights, as well as "Santa Paws" photo sessions for pets and Friday and Saturday night carriage and hayrides.

High Country Lights, Ennice

Nov. 24, 2011– Jan 1, 2012

This fun, premiere light display is choreographed to music and broadcast through a low-power transmitter on 96.5 FM radio. Hosted by the Glade Creek Volunteer Fire Department, the animated show features Santa's Castle, Clyde McPhatter & the Drifters singing "White Christmas," a 3K LED American Flag, and more.

Christmas Town USA, McAdenville

Dec. 1–26

The little textile village of McAdenville is world famous for transforming into "Christmas Town U.S.A." Events include the Inaugural Festival on Dec. 3 and the Yule Log Parade on Dec. 16. The best time to view the town's fantastic light displays is Monday through Thursday. You also can enjoy them Friday through Sunday, but traffic is heavier then.

Festival of Luminaries, Dillsboro

Dec. 2–3 & 9–10

You can journey back to yesteryear when this charming village comes alive with thousands of luminaries. Shopkeepers and artisans serve holiday treats with hot cider and cocoa, carolers sing and children visit with Santa at Town Hall. Horse and buggy rides available.

PIEDMONT

Lake Myra Light Display, Wendell

Nov. 20–Dec. 31

This spectacular light show, controlled by computer programming, is synchronized to Christmas music. This year's extravaganza will feature nearly a quarter million lights that dynamically "dance" to holiday songs, and a magic show. The inspiring display is created by the Williams family, who painstakingly assembles the show yearly.

Country Christmas Train, Denton

Dec. 2–4, 9–11 & 15–20

This multi-faceted event at Denton FarmPark includes a steam engine train that takes passengers on a pretty 1½ mile trek, stopping to see a brief movie about the birth of Jesus. Carolers trill "Joy to the World" while visitors enjoy chicken and dumplings, explore the craft barn and gingerbread house or wander into the church to sing songs. Visitors see around 15,000 Christmas light bulbs that outline the old 1915 Erie steam engine shovel and sparkle in the woods.

Carolina Christmas, Concord

Dec. 23–31

With more than 600 different light displays featuring 3 million lights, this is one very big holiday drive-through light park. Visitors enter at zMAX Dragway, pass by The Dirt Track at Charlotte and into Charlotte Motor Speedway, where a drive on the 1.5-mile superspeedway is part of the fun. The show includes Bethlehem-themed village, a Festival of Trees and play areas with food and music.

Christmas Flotilla, Carolina Beach

Dec. 3

Fishing boats and pleasure crafts are electrically decorated with thousands of pretty lights for a spectacular display on the Intracoastal Waterway. The parade of boats will cruise from Snows Cut to Carolina Beach Boat Basin and back.

Tryon Palace Christmas Candlelight Tour, New Bern

Dec. 10 & 17

Costumed guides escort visitors through Palace areas, decorated for the holidays and lit with candle globes and fire baskets. Entertainment includes music by the palace's Fife and Drum Corps, musicians, acrobats and fireworks.

Meadow Lights, near Benson

Dec. 18–31

Meadow, a crossroads community, celebrates the season with a Santa train, glowing lights along a country trail, an old-fashioned candy shop (with more than 300 varieties of candy), live manger scene and carousel rides. The family-owned event started from a single decorated yard to more than 30 acres of lights.

New Year's Eve Pickle Drop, Mount Olive

Dec. 31

Make plans to ring in your New Year early at Mount Olive Pickle Company, where a lighted, three-foot pickle drops down a 45-foot flagpole into a redwood pickle tank at 7 p.m. Visitors can browse a gift shop, munch on refreshments and listen to live music.